Biodynamic apparatus for performing correct SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises and methods

ABSTRACT

A biodynamic apparatus to perform correct, safe and effective SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises and simultaneously perform spinal arching, spinal decompression, and flexibility exercises, comprising of two part frame hinged at one end and a set of parallel bars that elevate and anchor the legs of the user concentrating the exercise in the abdominal area of the body. The main feature of the apparatus is provided by a device the inventor calls “flexor”. The flexor is not an ordinary lumbar support. Its function is to meet the natural fulcrum of the human torso, which is below the sacrum, to safely and efficiently articulate. Most exerciser bend the spine during the exercise, rather than the pelvis putting a tremendous negative stress on the vertebra and on the intervertebral discs. With the help of the “Flexor” the torso can move from horizontal to at least 90 degrees angle as one straight piece, free from the gravitational stress produced on the spine, especially on the cervical vertebra, by the weight of the head during the initiation of the exercises. It is a fact that ordinary SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises the work is performed for the most part by the neck, back and lumbar muscles during the first part of the movement placing a dangerous negative stress on the spine, and especially on the spinal cord. With the use of this apparatus, the reverse can be observed. The user by lying on the “flexor” places in traction the entire set of abdominal, pectoral and neck muscles creating a direct line of force between the abdomen and the head. The spine is arched and decompressed, the abdominal muscles are in traction and the lumbar muscles are neutralized since there are bent beyond their working point. This position of the body allows to safely concentrate 100% the force on the abdominal muscles to initiate the primary work constituted by the lifting of head of the user, instead of the neck, and on the lumbar muscles of the user, as well as to protect the spine and the weak abdominal muscles from negative stress and subsequent short and long term injuries. Decompression, arching, and flexibility of the spine, being achieved during this new method of performing SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises, simultaneously, make this apparatus bio-dynamically correct, as far as distribution, compensation and equalization of stresses; meet the scientific principles of muscle dynamics of traction and contraction; protect the spine from negative stress, especially the weak cervical and lumbar areas; maintain and enhance the spine&#39;s integrity and flexibility; and obtain maximum abdominal muscle developments, which are the major benefits of this invention. The flexor is mounted on two external parallel railing as to adjust to the length of all users. It also has an internal adjustable mechanism that allows its two padded flanges to adjust in width to accommodate all waist sizes of users for additional support and prevention of lateral stress to the lower spine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of Invention

This invention relates to the field of Fitness and wellness of the body,and in particular to the scientific development of a correct apparatusand methods for performing abdominal exercises such as SIT-UP andLEGS-UP exercises free of injuries and with maximum results. Inpractice, the invention produces new and more complete forms ofexercises that extend beyond muscle development and combine the health,integrity, alignment and performance of spine. Abdominal exercises arecommonly performed by most athletes and fitness lovers to obtain strongand shapely abdominal muscles, but an analytical study conducted by theinventor reveals their negative side, as far as the methods commonlyadopted, which are unscientific because they produce negative stressalong the spine and projects the inevitable prospects of long termspinal injuries such as slipped or herniated intervertebral disks, thorncartilages, and even lordosis and scogliosis. Statistics concerningsports and fitness injuries support this prediction. This inventionparticularly represents the solution to this problem. It aims atcorrecting this deficiency of a balanced stress during these exercisesby offering an apparatus and methods that allow the body to perform themsafely and in optimal dynamic condition, as to achieve equalizedabdominal muscles' strengthening and development, at the same time,relieve negative spinal stress. This relief is physiologically referredto as decompressing of the spinal disks, which contributes to betterhealth and better performance. The apparatus, we may say, is anequalizer of applied force for the lower back and abdomen, for, as itwill explained in the text of the invention, it engages the rightmuscles of the lower region in the right order when bending the torsoduring the sit-up exercise and decompresses the stress in the spine,both prior and after the movement, i.e., during the torso's initial andending position in each repetition of the exercise. Technically, byhelping decompress the spine, the apparatus helps restore properintervertebral space and allows the disks to refurbish with lymph andreacquire their proper thickness and function as the spine shockabsorbers. In addition, the apparatus helps develop spinal alignment,which is the proper positioning of each vertebra of the spine within thenatural place thus maintain its proper curvature. Most importantly, theapparatus helps enhance spinal flexibility, which is the ability of thespine to move through a full range of motions. “A flexible spine is ahealthy spine” is this inventor's motto.

2. The Related Prior Art in U.S. Patent

Hatfeld U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,553

Stefani U.S. Pat. No. 3,674,017

Jensen U.S. Pat. No. 2,152,431

Henschel; et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,841;

Oman U.S. Pat. No. 4,474,370;

Pearl U.S. Pat. No. 4,6,21,809;

Lemire U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,0571

Walter U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,800;

Moore et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,122;

Felice U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,537;

Sessini U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,011;

Brentham U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,840;

Sparks U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,010;

Walker U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,962;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,553 to Frederick Hatfeld, discloses a weight liftingdevice and a method that though different, it exemplifies all that iswrong with commonly done SIT-UP exercises. In a common SIT-UP exercisedone freely or with the help of a bench, the user passes from ahorizontal to a partial or total bending of the torso—clearly a movementinitiated from the neck muscles and that passes tremendous negativestress along the cervical region of the spine. In Hatfeld's device theuser is sitting on the bench and has strapped on his shoulder a beltpassing through a pulley and connected to some barbell weights, Sincethe movement of the torso is more or less the same of a SIT-UP exercise,it is obvious that in this case, in addition to the weight of the head,the user adds the weights of the Barbells, which doubles or triples thenegative stress on the spine. While very little work is done by theabdominal muscles, most of the work is done by the neck and pectoralmuscle while the damage is certainly greater at the two spinalextremities, namely, at the cervical and ends at the lumbar vertebralregion.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,674,017 to Hugo Stefani, discloses an apparatus used topassively exercise a person's abdominal muscles. This device consists ofa chair whose back reclines into a flat bed or vice versa, thusproducing a movement of 90 degrees of bending and extension of the torsoof the user. During this movement, the user applies controlled force bythe use of weights or with the application of an electric motor. It isobvious that without preserving and protecting the spine, or without alumbar support any, the exercise, it says in the description, ends upcausing negative stress and altering the spine's natural curvature. Infact, the stress exercised by the abdominal and lumber musclesunfortunately acts negatively in modifying substantially the lordosisarea or the natural curvature of the spine, thus shifting vertebralposition and possibly causing slipped disks.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,152,431 to Sigvard H. Jensen, discloses a device thatexercises the lower and upper body resting on two folding planes thatallow the bending motion from a wide to a sharp angle, almost to a V.The exercise consists in performing extended repetitions, but here againmissing is any concerns for applying the muscles' correct dynamics,which are traction and contraction, spinal posture, preservation andenhancement of the natural spinal posture.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,841 to Henschel. et. al., discloses a multilayeredlumbar support for a bench press exerciser. Although this deviceapproximates the visual idea of the invention, the scopes and concernsare far from the invention in question. The lumbar support is designedto reduce the indirect weight that from the shoulder may be transferredto the lower back while lifting weights. It may accommodate users with amultiplicity of lumbar lordosis but support needs or correct problemsthat are far apart from those exhibited in ordinary SIT-UP exercises.The device does not address, nor does it fulfills the purpose set out bythe present invention, which is one to provide the ideal position for apelvic movement, arcual stretch of the spine, total decompression of thestress acquired during the SIT-UP movement and neutralization of thelumbar muscle, and concentration of the work in the abdomen. Insynthesis, the application of the device is strictly a lumbar supportand is not intended to exercise the lumbar muscles, perform spinaltraction, achieve intervertebral decompression, spinal alignment andflexibility, which is the field of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,474,370 to Oman, also discloses a weight lifter benchwith cervical and lumbar support, the latter being adjustable in asliding manner in relation to the former. This device again, thoughsimilar in some respect to the invention because of the use ofadjustable lumbar cushion along the horizontal plane, like the precedingone, is intended to support lumbar muscles during weight liftingexercises, like the many kinds of lumbar cushions in existence, dealingwith an entirely different stress, and in substance, not designed toprovide ideal dynamic conditions for SIT-UP exercises in accordance withthe needs cited above.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,621,809 to William Pearl, discloses a contour benchpress that accommodates the body of the weight lifter during theexercise. Providing a mold-like receptacle for the body to allow thesame to be firm in place during the stress moment of the weight liftingis rather restrictive. There is no questions as to the shifting of thebody and the lateral stress being eliminated. However, this total bodystabilization device is not necessary because most of the weightgravitates on the shoulders when the weight lifter is in a supineposition, Lateral support is needed only during the initiation of thelifting exercise and only around the lumbar section. This is why thePearl's bench is somehow restrictive and difficult since a certainamount of shoulder movement is helpful in weight lifting and would notcompromise the lifter's commonly weak abdominal muscles. However, onewould eventually have to have one device custom molded to one's specificbody in order to use this device. The problem is better resolved by thelateral, adjustable supports provided by the padded flanges of theso-called “flexor” adopted in the invention in question and whosedetailed description is offered in the apparatus' description.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,857 to Bett. J. Lemire, discloses two orthopediclumbar and cervical supports to be used alternatively on weight liftersbenches. Although, these removable supports would seem to help anyexercises done in a prone position, they would not be suitable and wouldnot serve the purpose of correcting the defective way SIT-UP exercisesare being performed nowadays. In addition, the cervical support of thisinvention does not totally relieve the pressure exercised by the weightbeing lifter in the prone position.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,800 to Brian A. Walter discloses a therapeuticapparatus providing spinal tensioning means and anatomical support tothe spine. Although spinal tensioning can be achieved with this device,such action does not meet the specifications of an ideal dynamic of theSIT-UP exercises and spinal interaction enunciated in the description ofthe invention in question.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,122 to Moore et. al. discloses a multi-exerciseapparatus, a seat with a back rest and leg placement means forperforming a multiplicity of exercises. Although, this device may beused as an ordinary SIT-UP bench it too does not meet the requirement tofulfill the problematic treated by the invention in question.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,537 to Louis Felice discloses an exercise apparatusaccommodating the body, like a chair without legs, the user issupposedly in a sitting position holding onto a series of hand gripslocated on each side of the device. The user is supposed to do SIT-UP orLEGS-UP exercises by holding on to these handle grips and have his ownweight stabilize the chair. This device only accomplishes the ordinaryand obsolete type of exercises the present invention has overcome.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,011 to Lorenza Sessini discloses an anatomicallumbar support to be mounted on chairs and that can be motorized toovercome its manual adjustments. There is a slight similarity offered bythis device, and that is, it has an adjustable movement sliding on metalrods, to be mounted on the seat back of any chair, which is not relatedto the invention because it does not offer the “flexor” a benefitsenunciated below and the support is not intended to be used in SIT-UPexercises.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,840 to Jerry D. Brentham discloses a therapeuticcorrective wearable device suspended from the shoulders of the user. Theuser applies pressure against it whenever he rests against a chair back,and by doing so, he is supposed to reacquire proper spinal posture. Thedevice has no relation to the invention in question, except that,although different, it too is supposed to help maintain spinal postureand curvature but with dubious results. In fact, Brentham's devicerelies on the willingness of the user to push the spine, which is in avertical position, against a chair back in order to correct someanomalies, while the invention in question relies on the willingness toconduct the exercise and place the body's weight in an horizontalposition, over the “flexor” in order to arch the spine.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,010 to Michael Sparks discloses a mechanicaladjustable lumbar support. The lumbar support contains an apparatuscontrolled by screws and levers from the external side by means ofrotary wheel that expands the thickness and thus enhancing ordiminishing the device's radius, and consequently, the amount of spinalsupport to the user. The slight similarity with the present invention isthat the “flexor” too is adjustable from the external side area, butwhat are adjustable in the “flexor” are the two padded flanges, whileits radius remains stationary. In fact the radius of the “flexor” issuperior to any possible spinal curvature, precisely because it wouldnot otherwise offer a gradual and progressive exercise and produceenhanced greater spinal curvature and flexibility. The differencebetween Spark's invention and the invention in question is again avertical, rather than horizontal pressure exercised upon the spine bythe user of the device. And as to the similarity of commands, theexternal wheel of the flexor, again, only controls the width of the twopadded flanges in order to accommodate and stabilize various body sizesof possible users and not the radius of the “flexor”.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,962 to Brock M. Walker, discloses a spinal supportsystem of truly ingenious qualities, but it is a device to be employedvertically in seating systems although it provides anatomical support tothe spine and to the lower a sacral-pelvis area. Although, thisinvention relates only to seating systems, like the invention inquestion, it addresses the equal concern for the correct restingposition of the sacral-pelvic area. This is noticeable because bothduring seating and the SIT-UP exercise the sacrum should rest in thecorrect positions in order to avoid negative stress upon it and upon thelower spine. The difference therefore rests on the sacrum being regardedin the first instance in a resting position and being regarded in adynamic condition in the second instance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As of today, no one has been able to develop an apparatus that helpsperform balanced and effective SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises, which arethe sole that can develop safe, strong, sculptured abdominal muscles.With or without the help of ordinary devices and methods, SIT-UPexercises will cause tremendous negative stress along the spine and longterm injuries, especially when performed for long extended periods oftime in incorrect way and a non progressive manner. Negative stressalong the spine and especially in the lower back is produced by allowinga set of muscle work against another and thereby shifting the gravityforces of the spinal column and forcing it to unnatural movements. Thenegative stress derived by ordinary SIT-UP exercises, among the manylong terms injuries, produces repetitive abnormal, compression of theintervertebral discs, which may cause serious injuries such as slippedor herniated disks, thorn cartilage, pinched nerves, arthritis, and evenscoliosis and lordosis at a point when the vertebra enter in contactbone-to-bone with each other. Technically explained, in ordinary SIT-UPexercises, the initial force necessary for lifting the head and thetorso is initiated in the lower back by the contraction of the neck andthe other muscles along the spine and not by the entire set of abdominalmuscles. In fact, the lift of the head and of the torso, as explainedhere in greater details, is not obtained by the abdominal muscles, butthe sequential contraction of the weak back's spinal muscles from theneck down extending to the longissimus and to the lumbar muscles theobliques. In ordinary SIT-UP exercises, the abdominal muscles are thelast set of muscles to be activated. The abdominal muscles are thestrongest muscles of the lower back to begin with, because of theirstructure, the large work they perform comparing with the lumbarmuscles. As a result, a bad SIT-UP exercise results in a bad sequence ofmuscle engagement. During the exercise, done in this incorrect way, theneck is the part that suffers the most. The initial contraction of theneck muscles works against the cervical area of the spine that issupporting the entire weight of the head and for being the weakest areaof the spine. The effort of the contraction of the neck's muscles andprogressively of the back spine tend to bend the latter unevenly andproduce progressive uneven stretching of tendons, cartilage, andligaments producing the very noticeable unnatural curvature of thespine, as well as unequal compression of the vertebral disks. Thusduring the initial pull, the negative stress of the exercise is absorbedmostly by the back side of the Fascia cartilage and tendons that keepthe spine together, from the cervical area and distributed along thespine down to the lumbar region.

In explaining the advantages of the invention, we must anticipate thatabdominal exercises, such as SIT-UP and LEG UP exercises can be verybeneficial when performed correctly and uniformly because may helpdevelop a strong back, First of all the movement should have properarticulation from the pivoting points of the body, while the spineshould maintain its posture. Thus first of all, a correct SIT-UPexercise requires proper positioning of the body, consequently engagefirst and primarily the abdominal muscles by allowing them to do thefirst pull of the head and torso while isolating the lumbar muscles andsafeguarding the integrity of the spine.

Ideally understood and put into practice by the invention, the newmethods of performing SIT-UP exercise consists in properly positioningthe body and bending and raising the legs from a linear position(LEGS-UP) to at least 90 degrees angle, thus isolating them and allowingthe movement of the torso to hinge in the Femour-Pelvis joint. Thisallows all abdominal muscles to be placed under traction, so that theinitial pull is done by the same muscles by basic contraction of same.In other words, since the abdominal muscles are the only set of muscleof the lower torso under traction at that moment, they are the first torespond to the command to bend the torso and by contraction do the firstand most strenuous part of the exercise, which is the lifting of thehead.

The graphic of FIG. 3, clearly shows that during ordinary SIT-UPexercises the first 15 degrees of the movement, which is produced by thecontraction of the scalenus and platysma muscles, produce the initialstress, namely, 100% lifting of the head. During this fraction of timethe spine bears 85% of the stress produced by the weight of the head,because the Rectus Abdominus does not begin to work until after thesecond half of the movement, (namely, after the torso has reached 45degree angle). Therefore, from zero to 45 degrees the spine is undertremendous stress, and it is most apparent in observing the spine ofexercisers in action. To be considered is that the head is at thatinitial moment much heavier due to gravity acceleration, which can bedetermined by multiplying its mass by 9.8 m/s. Now we can understand whythe spine arches in such an abnormal way during ordinary SIT-UPexercises. These exercises are definitively dangerous in the long run.Moreover, the drastic and sudden initial effort of lifting the head cancompare to a car whiplash, with the same complications that thiscondition may comport to the cervical vertebral region.

This is simple to understand, since there is not a straight anatomicalconnection between the Rectus Abdominis and the Scalenus because therewas at one time no such apparent need in all four legged animals, humansincluded. Let us remember that humans were at one time four leggedanimals.

The initial contraction of the neck is produced by the scalenus, theplatysma and other minor muscles distributed along the spine. Than it istransferred onto the pectoralis major and minor which ultimately engagethe rectus abdominis, since the latter does not extend beyond the ribcage. This transfer of force, during the many repetitions of theexercise, puts continuous stress on the spine, and avoiding it, isprecisely what this invention has been able to accomplish.

The head is the heaviest part of the body and the spine is not a rigidwooden stick that can be raised from one end, and not even a golf clubthat can be swung from one end. Some wrap their arms around the neck orhold additional Barbell weights on their chest in SIT-UP exercises,which makes the stress even more critical for the spine. The inventionconsists in the design of an apparatus that

-   a) Primarily positions the body correctly as to safely initiate the    exercise with no danger of lateral stress and vertebral    displacement;-   b) Creates a fulcrum below the femour-pelvic area where to initiate    the SIT-UP movement;-   c) Tightens and stretches the abdominal muscle to produce a direct    connection between all the muscles of the torso, and, like a pulley,    establishes a direct force line between the abdomen and the head;-   d) As a result, the apparatus places into traction and thus tightens    all the muscles of the torso for a quicker and simultaneous    contraction—as to pull up the torso and the head as one piece and    relieve the spine of any negative stress;-   e) The apparatus allows the user to exercise the flexibility of the    spine by simultaneously decompressing the spinal disks, enhancing    the health of the intervertebral disks, elasticity of cartilage and    ligaments, as well as producing vertebral alignment and restoring    proper curvature of the spine; and ultimately-   f) Neutralizes and protects the weak abdominal muscle allowing the    movement to be initiated and completed 100% by the abdominal    muscles.

All these functions are performed specifically with the help of a simpleand adjustable device the inventor calls: “flexor”. Its functions areprecisely to flex the spine to a gradually increasing radius; to providethe correct fulcrum for the sacrum and the pelvis; to allow theabdominal rectus abdominis, the obliques and the entire superficialfascia muscles of the back to tie together with the chest's pectorisminor and major and with the neck's scalenus and platysma muscles as tosimultaneously produce a unified mass that lifts the head and the torsoas one piece.

The “flexor” acting as a fulcrum below the sacrum, and the Femour-Pelvicarea and being the hinging point, produces a movement of the torso thatis transformed into an Archimede's lever, which is much easier on thespine, since it is not only a balanced and equalized stress, but highlybeneficial for it strengthens all the muscles of the lower torso.

This newly invented device, the “flexor,” may resemble prima facie anordinary lumbar support, but its new and versatile application, and, inparticular, positioning with respect to the rest of the apparatus,establishes the premises for optimal dynamic conditions to perform idealSIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises that are safe and offer the greatestresults. The physiological, (fitness) results are quite substantial alsobecause the “flexor,” by isolating the entire lower lumbar muscles,transfers the entire force onto the abdominal muscles, which by being intraction, are promted to do the initial and the ultimate work. Thelumbar muscles are often the weakest of the body and can be strainedeasily, but in this way they get their adequate share of exercise bothin the bending and in the return of the body.

Isolating and protecting the lumbar muscles region especially during thefirst part of the exercise (the lifting of the head) should be a publicconcern, since over 100 Million Americans are suffering from lower backproblems and many of these injuries arise from sports and fitnessactivities. This is chiefly because most body movements, even in theday-to-day life, do not respect muscle dynamics of traction andcontraction and are not coordinated in ways to produce equalized stress,or proper stress distribution. At this point the famous Dr. AlexanderTecnique should be quoted as specific reference to spinal stressmanagement.

During ordinary SIT-UP exercises performed on benches, on balloons, oron the floor, the work done by some lumbar muscles may concur in themeasure of 60 to 70% of the work with an initial pull which may reacheven 80%, and that is why they can be easily strained. Even theObliques, whose function is primarily to turn or twist the body, can bestrained.

There are no effective apparatus or programs in place to individuallyand safely strengthen the lumbar muscles. For this reason, body buildersin particular are notorious to have weak lumba muscles. Generally, as Isaid earlier, this can be understood by the human's physiological andanthropological evolution from four legged animal to homus erectus.Nature only produces slow changes and over millions of years. The lumbarmuscles in a four legged animal do not do much work except formaintaining the spine rigid and in good posture. The thoraculumbarfascia and the erectus spinae, the romboid, the serratus, etc. performprecisely this function. However, the erectus spinae and thethoraculumbar fascia are the two major muscle sets of elongated shape inthe torso. The “flexor” neutralizes them by bending them to the oppositedirection thus thus subjecting them to an impossible opposing traction.However, this bending and stretching is highly pleasurable, just as itis often practiced in yoga exercises. The so-called arching of the backcorresponds precisely to extend said muscles, to tightening them, andthus prompting the erectus abdominis and the obliques abdominis, toinstantaneous contraction andengagement of the pectoris, the scalenus,etc.

It is obvious that the idea of this apparatus arose from an accurateanalysis of muscle dynamics of traction and contraction, which ismaterial of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5. With the use ofthe “flexor” the lumbar muscles can be completely neutralized by thebody's own weight, whence the full concentration of force and quickercontraction of the abdominal muscles.

The user lies supine over the “flexor” and his own body weight extendsthe abdominal muscle to a neutral position and exercises the curvatureof the spine. In addition, the “flexor” allows the movement to beinitiated from the Femour-Pelvis, which provides a natural pivotingpoint for the entire movement of the torso. This tells us that from thebeginning to the end the SIT-UP exercise relies 100% on the abdominalmuscles together bound to the head by the chest and neck muscles. Theultimate positive fact is that when all the front muscles of the torsoare in contraction simultaneously, it is like pulling the head with arope, whence the device's unique effective and safe results.

The reverse LEGS UP exercise can also be performed in the same way andwith the same effectiveness, though the legs are much lighter than thehead. But by using the same device, even this second exercises isextended to maximum performance and safety. The exercise LEGS-UP isperformed by positioning the body on the opposite direction of thebench, and activating the linguinal muscles as well, thus obtaininggreater intensity and more satisfactory anatomical results than whendone with ordinary benches or on the floor.

The “Flexor” is made of a semi rigid material and molded in a roundshape. Its radius is fixed above ordinary spinal arching in order tooffer progressive spinal arching exercise. Its width is adjustable bymeans of two extendible padded flanges controlled by an internalmechanism that allows to accommodate any size body waist. The device canbe adjusted to the length of the user's body by sliding on two guidesmade of stainless steel or plastic, and secured by a screw pin locatedon one sides of the device.

These adjustments allow exercising the spine simultaneously in both theSIT-UP and Legs-UP exercises. The spinal exercises consist in the userby bending the torso from an extended spine arching position andreturning to the same starting position in each repetition of theexercise. The initial and ending position of the exercise is simplylying on the “flexor” with legs elevated and allowing the user's naturalweight to gradually bring about progressive spinal curvature, disksdecompression and greater overall flexibility.

Bending or extending the lumbar muscles to a point of neutralization andstretching of the spine has a soothing effect on the entire body. Underthese optimal conditions the exerciser is able to bring the entire torsoto a 90 degree angle or more, which is the aim of the exercise, withoutstress to the spine. The Flexor's desirable actions of adequatestretching and neutralizing the lumbar muscles and gradual arching andstretching of the spine, represent the most important features of theinvention.

The next feature is the apparatus' capability of adjusting the curved,upper leg area attached to the flat bed. The user places his feet inbetween the padded horizontal members that anchor them during theexercise in accordance with the desired exercise intensity. Thesehorizontal padded members, along with the capacity of the flat bed to beset on various degree angles, offer multiple gravity resistance for theexercises. The upper hinged part of the apparatus comprising the flatbed, the “flexor” and the foot anchors, all in one piece, can adjust,from a horizontal position up to a 50 degree angle. This feature isregulated by two telescopic bent pipes bearing the same radius thatslide one inside the other. A spring pin secures the multiple positionsof the entire hinged part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the Invention.

FIG. 2 shows a detail of the device referred to as “flexor”.

FIG. 3 shows the adjustable mechanism of the device referred to as“flexor”.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of gravity forces exercised on the spine duringordinary SIT-UP exercises.

FIG. 5 shows application of the “flexor”, the correct initial restingposition of the body, the arching of the spine, the traction ofabdominal muscles, an d the resting position of the spine prior theexercise.

FIG. 6 shows the SIT-UP apparatus and the user completing the exercisemovement and the re-obtained correct spinal posture.

FIG. 7 shows the apparatus and the user executing the correct LEGS-UPand spinal exercises.

FIG. 8 shows the application of the “flexor” on ordinary fitnessmachines.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment of the invention is basically a two-part benchthat offers special features for performing both SIT-UP and LEGS-UPexercises correctly. FIG. 1 shows an apparatus comprising a metal framebuilt as two embodiments: the lower embodiment 1, resting on the floorand an upper movable section 2 attached to and hinging on the lowersection by means of bearings 3. The upper embodiment 2 comprises apadded flat bed 4 that accommodates the user in a supine position; Twomale railing tubing, 5, made of chromed or stainless steel, running oneither side of the flat bed, allow the horizontal adjustment of amechanism the inventor calls “flexor” 7 with respect to the length ofthe flat bed 4, used to accommodate users of different body size andheight and reverse the exercise from SIT-UP to LEGS-UP. Three pairs ofhorizontal cylindrical padded members 6 are there to accommodate thefeet of the user and offer additional choices for changes in body angleand resistance during the exercise. The “flexor” 7 slides on the railingtubing 5 and can be locked in place 7 by means of a pin or screw knob tothe desired distance from the anchors padded cylinders 6. The “flexor” 7is constructed out of a semi rigid material or medium density foam andlined with a layer of fabric, vinyl, leather or other upholsterymaterial. Two movable, padded flanges, one on either side of it, 8′ and8,″ are also covered with upholstery material and mounted on a steelframe 9. The padded flanges, thanks to the internal mechanism of the“flexors” extend and contracts simultaneously on the turning of theknob. The frame is welded on two short female members tubing 10 (onlyone visible) which run on male tubing 5′ and 5″ for the neededadjustment of the “flexor” 7 to accommodate the right body length of theuser. A knob pin 11, secures the “flexor” to railing tubings 5.Ultimately the two sections of the apparatus, are made to hinge on twobearings 3, at one end, and on the other end, are made to open to anadjustable resistance angle. The two supporting members made of tubingare telescopic and convex. A female section 12 and a male section 13,slide one inside the other to offer multiple angles of resistance andstability for the entire apparatus. The adjustment is then secured by aspring pin 14 that locks automatically in the desired position.

The inner structure of the “flexor” 7, comprises a three part steelframe 9, 15′ and 15″ which are part of the mechanism that conferslateral width adjustments to the two padded flanges 8′ and 8″. Theadjustment of the padded flanges 8 allows the same to adhere to thewaist and protect the user from the occurrence of side spinal stress andconsequent injuries. Each of the padded flanges 8′ and 8″ comprises aframe 15 and a pair of male telescopic moving members 16 that slideinside the stationary female members 17 attached to the main frame ofthe “flexor” 7. A manual knob 16 is attached to a drive shaft 19 thatactivates two spiral screws, 20′ and 20″ of opposite thread. Thismechanism allows the two padded flanges to move in and outsimultaneously and to confer the desired width adjustments to the paddedflanges 8′ and 8″ of flexor 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE METHOD

In order to determine the utility of the invention, one should make asimple comparison between the ordinary methods presently employed toperform SIT-UP exercises and the new scientific, anatomical methodproposed by the employment of the preferred embodiment of the invention.FIG. 4 is a horizontal diagram showing four segments of the movement ofan ordinary SIT-UP exercise. The weight of the head attributable tonegative spinal stress during the initial 15 degrees of the radialmovement is borne exclusively by the contraction of the neck muscles andprogressively by the scalenus, platysma, homohyoid minor and majormuscles, along with the muscles of the lower back and the lumbarmuscles. During this initial 15 degrees the spine, especially thecervical area, bears approximately 85% and the additional gravityacceleration of the head's weight, with proportionate negative stress.At this time all the muscles of the back including the weak lumbarmuscles produce the first pull. During the next 30 degrees of themovement, (up to 45 degrees), the diagram shows that the user graduallyreduces the negative stress on the spine, because now be engages thefascia, the pectoralis minor and major, the intercoastal, the lateralanterior serratus and other minor subcutaneous muscles of the chest andfinally the abdominal muscles. As more muscles are engaged, the spine isgradually relieved of the weight and of the consequent negative gravitystress. At the mark of 45 degrees the weight borne by the spine hasdecreased to 25% and becomes normal on the 90 degrees mark, that is,when the spine is in a vertical position. The Traversus abdominis, therectus abdominis, the rectus sheath, the transversus abdominus and theoblique abdominis muscles are activated only after the 45 degree markonwards and up and above the 90 degree mark while all the back musclesare still under contraction. The work from the 45 degree mark onward isalso shared by the contraction of minor lumbar muscles ouch as the iliaccrest, the tensor fasciae, the gluteus medium, and other linguinalmuscles. After the 90 degree mark, the work is transferred almostentirely to the thigh muscles, namely, the sartorious, the pectineus,the longus, and the magnus.

The novel ideas of the invention are:

-   a) Primarily to produce an apparatus that provides the ideal    conditions to position the body correctly as to safely initiate the    exercise with no danger of spinal negative stress and lateral    vertebral and disc displacement;-   b) To produce an apparatus that provides an ideal fulcrum of    movement below the sacrum femour pelvic area where to initiate a    natural SIT-UP movement;-   c) To produce an apparatus that tightens and put under traction in a    direct connection the abdominal, chest and neck muscles, and    establish a direct force line between the abdomen and the head by    which the latter is fully pulled by the contraction of the former;-   d) To produce an apparatus that by placing into traction all the    front muscles for a quicker and simultaneous contraction and pulling    the torso as one piece, relieves the spine of any negative stress;-   e) Lastly, produce an apparatus that offers the ideal conditions for    exercising the spine and the abdominal muscles simultaneously by    decompressing the spinal disks, enhancing the health of the    intervertebral disks, elasticity of cartilage and ligaments for a    more flexible spine, as well as maintain vertebral alignment and    proper curvature of the spine; and ultimately-   f) To produce an apparatus that neutralizes and protects the weak    abdominal muscle so that the exercise is initiated and completed    100% by the abdominal muscles.

FIG. 5 clearly show a correct anatomical position of the body; the bodyof the user appears lying supine over the “flexor”; his lumbar musclesare neutralized because are stretched beyond their working point; hisabdominal muscles along with the rest of the chest and frontal neckmuscles are extended and in traction; the spine is decompressed becausethe vertebra are opened to the maximum degree and relaxed. Under thiscondition, the movement can begin safely and effectively, since the“flexor” has provided also a fulcrum below the sacrum with respect tothe femour-pelvis joint to naturally articulate. In this position, theentire set of front muscles, from the abdominal to the neck muscles arebond into one line of force and ready to be activated simultaneously bythe next impulse.

The “flexor” resting in the right position, i.e., at the fulcrum of thetorso, prompts the same and forces the movement to be initiatedprecisely at that point and thus reversing the order of muscleengagement of ordinary SIT-UP exercises. Dynamically speaking, thetorso, by having all the frontal muscles under traction and ready forsimultaneous contraction produces a straight line of force similar toArchimede's lever as if there were a cord pulling the head in a straightline form zero to a ninety degree angle.

FIG. 6 shows the spine having returned to its natural and correctposition when the body has reached approximately 90 degree angle. Beyondthis point, the exercise loses its effect to the abdomen. The body keepsmoving forward but the abdominal muscles devolve the task of contractionto the upper thigh muscles. In substance, FIGS. 5 and 6 show how thespine can be fully articulated, and at the same time, be protectedagainst negative stress toward greater flexibility, strength, andintervertebral disks health.

FIG. 7 shows the reversed movement, which is just as effective, asLEGS-UP exercise. In this exercise the spine remains semi-stationary,but it is being exercised as well when the legs reach the 90 degreeangle. The thigh muscles initiate the movement and pass it subsequentlyto the abdominal muscles which do the final pull of the legs. Here againthe lumbar muscles are being totally annihilated so that the entire workis concentrated on the thigh and on the abdominal muscles.

FIG. 8 shows a vertical application of the “flexor” complete withvertical and horizontal adjustment in ordinary fitness machines. Heretoo, the “flexor” mechanism performs a dual function of lumbar muscleprotection and spinal exerciser since the movement forces the spine totraction, arching position. Common fitness equipment lacks thesefeatures. The first concern thus is to stabilize the spine in order toavoid side shifting of the vertebra by the muscles' force of upper bodyexercises. Negative stress, whether on a horizontal or vertical bodyposition, may cause long term spine injuries. The second concern is toexercise both the flexibility and the arching of the spine, which alsoprevents injuries. With this application the “flexor” mechanism canactually can be supplemented with a belt that ties around the waist andkeeps the body of the machine's user safe in position.

1. A biodynamic apparatus comprising essentially three major embodimentsdesigned for the employment of two scientific methods for performingcorrect SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises: a upper and a lower metal framefastened by the employment of at least one bearing, and an assembly theinventor calls “flexor” whereby contextually “biodynamic”, “correct” and“flexor” alternatively mean: a) that the term” biodynamic” describes anapparatus that meets physically and synchronically the articulations,joints and movements of the human body. b) that the term “correct”applies to the apparatus insofar as it meets the scientific actualstandards of knowledge available about the human body; c) that by theterm “flexor” this device takes on the application of specificprinciples of muscular and spinal dynamics such as traction andcontraction, resiliency and elasticity of fiber muscles, thus forcingthe strict application of these biological principles of movements andhealth to actualizes the proposed corrective methods and benefits of theinvention.
 2. A biodynamic apparatus for performing correct SIT-UP andLEGS UP exercises comprising: a) two part frame embodiments attached oneonto the other, on one side by a set of ball bearings, and on the other,by two telescopic convex members, male and female, also being part ofthe supporting structure, sliding one inside the other, the same twoparts hinging on one side as to open to a desirable angle and capable ofbeing fixed at the desired position with respect to each other by meansof a spring pin or other means, b) a padded flat bed fastened on theupper frame embodiment to accommodate the human body in a prone orsupine position and to adjust to various angles with respect to thehorizontal plane, in order to perform said exercises with variousgravity resistance; c) a set of multiple horizontal cylindrical paddedmembers, spaced at reasonable distance from each other in order toaccommodate and anchor firmly the feet of the user during theperformance of the exercises, yet providing practical and easy way forthe user's feet to gain access and exit from same. d) an anatomical semirigid embodiment mechanism of arcuate shape, the inventor calls “flexor”used to provide physical resistance and flex the spine of the user thatlies on it, in order to discharge negative stress and prompt the torsofor SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises as well as performing other exercisestoward achieving spinal flexibility, arching and decompressing undercertain methods dictated by this invention for maximum muscledevelopment, strong and healthy spine—said anatomical embodimentcomprising two lateral padded flanges and an internal mechanism foradjusting and securing the distance between same by means of a turningscrew knob located on one side of the “flexor”. c) two parallel railingmembers, which can be made out of chromed steel, aluminum or stainlesssteel tubing, set on either side of the padded flat bed, bearing the“flexor” and allowing same to move lengthwise in order to adjust tovarious body length.
 2. A biodynamic apparatus according to claim 2further characterized by two hinging frame embodiments designed to openand adjust to a desired angle with respect to each other in order tomeet the desired gravity resistance of the user.
 3. A biodynamicapparatus according to claim 2 further characterized by two convexmembers as part of the frame, sliding telescopically one inside theother and providing an adjusting guide and spring pin locking device toset the two parts in the desired angle as to achieve variable gravityresistance for the exercise.
 4. A biodynamic apparatus according toclaim 2 further comprising two parallel railing members set along eitherside of horizontal padded flat bed (or along other vertical devices thataccommodates the body for same ends), to accommodate an embodiment theinventor calls “flexor” used to provide variable, lengthwise means forspinal exercises, such as spinal decompression, spinal arching andspinal flexibility.
 5. A self-contained device assembly of semiroundform and semi rigid material the inventor calls “flexor” comprising twoexpandable lateral padded flange supports and an internal mechanism withan external knob to control simultaneous movements of said flanges inorder to perform biodynamically correct SIT-UP and LEGS-UP exercises aswell as spinal arching, flexibility and decompressing exercises of thespine.
 6. A self-contained adjustable device assembly called “flexor”,according to claim 5, comprising two lateral padded flanges for spinalprotection against negative stress that adjust by increasing anddecreasing their distance from each other gradually and simultaneously.7. A steel frame which is a part the “flexor”'s internal mechanism,according to claim 5 comprising a central drive shaft that activates twospiral screws with opposite threads, each attached to one of the paddedflange comprising the “flexor”'s main body, allowing said flanges tomove outwards and inwards simultaneously at will simply by turning theknob attached to the central drive shaft.
 8. A self contained deviceassembly of the so-called “flexor”, according to claim 5, complete withparallel railing adjustments, according to claim 4, to be mounted onhorizontal flat beds, for ordinary multiple use exercise benches or onbacks of ordinary fitness equipment seat for spinal support and lumbarmuscles neutralization, and for conducting the same spinal exercises. 9.A biodynamic apparatus according to claim 2 and claim 5 that by the useof a “flexor” for accommodating the body of the user, can be used as ameans to provide a fulcrum for the spine below the sacrum and a properhinging point for the femour-pelvis, which along with the simultaneouscontraction of the entire frontal muscle structure of the torso allowsproper articulation of the spine free of negative stress.
 10. Abiodynamic apparatus according to claim 2 and claim 5 that by the use ofa “flexor” as means for accommodating the body in a supine manner thatallows the neutralization of the lumbar muscles and thus the transfer ofthe entire burden of the exercise action onto the abdominal musclestoward their strength and development.
 11. A biodynamic apparatusaccording to claim 2 and claim 5 as a means to perform exercises ofprogressive arching of the spine, that progressively opens theinterspace between vertebra and allows the spinal disks to decompressfor fast energy recovery and better spinal health.
 12. A biodynamicapparatus according to claim 2 and claim 5 as a means for stretching thespine thus maintaining and enhancing elasticity of cartilage andligaments for increased flexibility and for good postural condition ofthe spine.
 13. A biodynamic apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2 andclaim 5 which by the use of a “flexor” for accommodating the body of theuser, allows a biodynamically correct and effective performance ofLEGS-UP exercises, and can be used as a means to neutralize the lumbarmuscles and concentrate the work on the abdominal muscles.
 14. Abiodynamic apparatus according to claim 2, claim 5, claim 9, claim 10,claim 11, and claim 12, that by the use of a “flexor” for accommodatingthe body of the user, can be used as a means for performing multiplespinal exercises and provide protective functions during LEGS-UPexercises, such as the stabilization of the spine against sidesolicitations and abnormal vertebral compression.
 15. A self containedadjustable “flexor” complete with adjustable railing, according to claim4 and claim 5, to be mounted on ordinary benches and backs of ordinaryfitness equipment in order to perform spinal exercises during amultiplicity of other physical exercises according to claim 9, claim 10,claim 11, and claim 12.